U.S. patent application number 16/114883 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-27 for method for producing an illumination system for an euv projection exposure system, and illumination system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH. Invention is credited to Juergen Baier, Hubert Holderer, Markus Holz, Joerg Lichtenthaeler, Matthias Manger, Ulrich Mueller, Andre Orthen, Daniel Runde, Joachim Welker.
Application Number | 20180373158 16/114883 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58098630 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20180373158 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baier; Juergen ; et
al. |
December 27, 2018 |
METHOD FOR PRODUCING AN ILLUMINATION SYSTEM FOR AN EUV PROJECTION
EXPOSURE SYSTEM, AND ILLUMINATION SYSTEM
Abstract
The disclosure relates to a method for producing an illumination
system for an EUV apparatus in and to an illumination system for an
EUV apparatus
Inventors: |
Baier; Juergen; (Oberkochen,
DE) ; Runde; Daniel; (Oberkochen, DE) ;
Manger; Matthias; (Aalen-Unterkochen, DE) ; Mueller;
Ulrich; (Aalen, DE) ; Lichtenthaeler; Joerg;
(Aalen, DE) ; Orthen; Andre; (Essingen, DE)
; Welker; Joachim; (Heidenheim, DE) ; Holz;
Markus; (Aalen, DE) ; Holderer; Hubert;
(Oberkochen, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH |
Oberkochen |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
58098630 |
Appl. No.: |
16/114883 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP2017/053993 |
Feb 22, 2017 |
|
|
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16114883 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03F 7/70158 20130101;
G03F 7/70075 20130101; G03F 7/702 20130101; G03F 7/70141 20130101;
G03F 7/70033 20130101; G03F 7/7085 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G03F 7/20 20060101
G03F007/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 10, 2016 |
DE |
10 2016 203 990.3 |
Claims
1. A method for producing an illumination system for an EUV
apparatus, the illumination system being configured so that, during
operation of the EUV apparatus, the illumination system receives
EUV radiation of an EUV radiation source at a source position in an
entrance plane and shapes, from a portion of the received EUV
radiation, illumination radiation that is directed into an
illumination field in an exit plane of the illumination system, the
illumination field fulfilling an illumination specification, the
method comprising: installing mirror modules of the illumination
system at installation positions provided for the mirror modules to
establish an illumination beam path which extends from the source
position to the illumination field, the mirror modules comprising a
first mirror module comprising a first facet mirror at a first
installation position and a second mirror module comprising a
second facet mirror at a second installation position of the
illumination system; coupling measurement light into the
illumination beam path at an input coupling position upstream the
mirror module that is first along the illumination beam path;
detecting measurement light after reflection of the measurement
light at each of the mirror modules of the illumination beam path;
ascertaining current measurement values for at least one system
measurement variable from detected measurement light, the current
measurement values representing a current state of the system
measurement variable of the illumination system; ascertaining
correction values from the current measurement values using
sensitivities that represent a relationship between the system
measurement variable and a change in the orientation of at least
one mirror module in its installation position; and adjusting at
least one mirror module with variation of the orientation of the
mirror module in the installation position in degrees of freedom of
a rigid body using the correction values to change the current
state in a manner such that in the case of irradiation with EUV
radiation from the EUV radiation source, the illumination radiation
in the illumination field fulfills the illumination specification,
wherein the method further comprises: demounting the first mirror
module from its installation position; removing the first mirror
module from the illumination system; installing a third mirror
module in place of the first mirror module into the installation
position; and adjusting the third mirror module by changing an
orientation of the mirror module in the installation position in
degrees of freedom of a rigid body.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising using measurement
light from a different wavelength range than the EUV radiation used
during use of the illumination system, wherein the wavelength range
of the measurement light is selected from the group consisting of a
visible spectral range, an adjoining UV spectral range, and an IR
spectral range.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein further comprising ascertaining,
from the current measurement values, a system measurement variable
selected from the group consisting of: (i) a position of the
illumination field in the exit plane; (ii) a local distribution of
measurement light in a pupil plane, which is Fourier-transformed
with respect to the exit plane, of the illumination system; and
(iii) a position of a measurement light spot on a facet of the
second facet mirror.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: for the ascertaining
the position of the illumination field, defining at least two
characteristic points at the periphery and/or within the
illumination field; determining a current position of the
illumination field on the basis of the current positions of the
characteristic points in a plane selected from the group consisting
of the exit plane and a measurement plane that is conjugate to the
exit plane; and defining a desired position of the illumination
field on the basis of the desired positions of the characteristic
points.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising, in an evaluation of
the current measurement values, deriving a stipulation for a change
in the orientation of at least one of the mirror modules from a
position difference between the current positions and the
associated desired positions of the characteristic points.
6. The method of claim 3, further comprising: for ascertaining the
local distribution of measurement light in the pupil plane which is
Fourier-transformed with respect to the exit plane, defining a
multiplicity of characteristic points in the pupil plane;
determining a current local distribution of the measurement light
on the basis of the current positions of the characteristic points
in a measurement plane which is Fourier-transformed with respect to
the exit plane; and defining a desired local distribution of the
measurement light on the basis of the desired positions of the
characteristic points.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising, in an evaluation of
the current measurement values, deriving a stipulation for a change
in the orientation of at least one of the mirror modules from a
position difference between the current positions and the
associated desired positions of the characteristic points.
8. The method of claim 3, further comprising: for ascertaining the
position of a measurement light spot on a facet of the second facet
mirror, displacing a position of the measurement light source
relative to a desired position; and capturing an intensity of a
measurement light spot as a function of the extent of the
displacement.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: before demounting the
first mirror module, performing a reference measurement using the
measurement system in order to capture a reference state that
represents the adjustment state before the start of the swap
operation; and after adjusting the third mirror module, measuring
the adjustment state measured compared to the reference state to
restore the adjustment state from before the swap operation.
10. The method of claim 2, further comprising setting selected ray
angles of the input measurement light into the illumination beam
path during the input-coupling of measurement light separately
measure individual illumination channels.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the first mirror module is
upstream of the second mirror module along the illumination beam
path.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first mirror module is
downstream of the second mirror module along the illumination beam
path.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising modifying the first
mirror module to provide the third mirror module.
14. An illumination system for an EUV apparatus, the illumination
system being configured so that, during operation of the EUV
apparatus, the illumination system receives EUV radiation of an EUV
radiation source at a source position in an entrance plane and
shapes, from at least one portion of the received EUV radiation,
illumination radiation that is directed into an illumination field
in an exit plane of the illumination system, the illumination field
fulfilling an illumination specification, the illumination system
comprising: a plurality of mirror modules installed at installation
positions of the illumination system provided for the mirror
modules and configured to define an illumination beam path which
extends from the source position to the illumination field, the
mirror modules comprising a first mirror module comprising a first
facet mirror at a first installation position and a second mirror
module comprising a second facet mirror at a second installation
position of the illumination system; and integrated components of a
measurement system configured to measure measurement values
containing information to determine orientations of the mirror
modules in the respective installation positions associated with
the mirror modules, wherein: the measurement system is configured
to couple measurement light into the illumination beam path at an
input coupling position upstream of the mirror module that is first
in the illumination beam path; measurement system is configured to
detect the measurement light after reflection of the measurement
light at each of the mirror modules in the illumination beam path;
the illumination system is configured so that: the first mirror
removable from the illumination system; a third mirror module is
installable in place of the first mirror module into the
installation position; and the third mirror module is adjustable by
changing an orientation of the mirror module in the installation
position in degrees of freedom of a rigid body.
15. The illumination system of claim 14, further comprising: first
interface structures to couple with a measurement light source
module (MSM) of the measurement system (YMS); second interface
structures to couple with a detector module (DET) of the
measurement system (YMS); a switchable input coupling device to
couple measurement light, which has been emitted by the measurement
light source module (MSM), into the illumination beam path at an
input coupling position upstream of the mirror module that is first
in the illumination beam path; and a switchable output coupling
device to couple measurement light out in the direction of a
detector module position after reflection at each of the mirror
modules of the illumination beam path.
16. The illumination system of claim 14, wherein: the input
coupling device comprises a plane mirror selectively movable
between a neutral position outside the illumination beam path and
an input coupling position within the illumination beam path, in
the input coupling position, measurement light of the measurement
light source module is coupled into the illumination beam path via
the plane mirror upstream of the mirror module that is first in the
beam path, and, in the neutral position, the plane mirror is
situated outside the illumination beam path; and/or the output
coupling device comprises a plane mirror selectively movable
between a neutral position outside the illumination beam path and
an output coupling position within the illumination beam path,
wherein, in the output coupling position, measurement light is
coupled out of the illumination beam path after reflection at the
mirror module that is last in the illumination beam path, and, in
the neutral position, the plane mirror is situated outside the
illumination beam path.
17. The illumination system of claim 15, wherein the measurement
light source module is configured so that different beam angles of
the measurement light into the illumination beam path are
settable.
18. The illumination system of claim 15, wherein: the measurement
light source module comprises a primary measurement light source
(MLS) in an entrance plane; the measurement light source module
comprises a 4f imaging system configured to image the primary
measurement light source into a secondary measurement light source
connected downstream of the primary measurement light source in an
exit plane that is conjugate to the entrance plane; in a Fourier
plane between the entrance plane and the exit plane, a stop is
displaceable transverse to the optical axis of the imaging system;
and the stop has a through-opening for measurement light.
19. The illumination system of claim 15, wherein: the detector
module comprises a field camera and a pupil camera; the field
camera is usable to capture an intensity distribution in a field
plane of the illumination system; and the pupil camera is usable to
capture an intensity distribution in a pupil plane of the
illumination system.
20. The illumination system of claim 14, wherein the third mirror
module is a modified form of the first mirror module.
21. A method, comprising: installing mirror modules of an EUV
illumination system at installation positions provided for the
mirror modules to establish an illumination beam path which extends
from an EUV source position to an illumination field of the EUV
illumination system, the mirror modules comprising a first mirror
module comprising a first facet mirror at a first installation
position and a second mirror module comprising a second facet
mirror at a second installation position of the illumination
system; detecting measurement light after reflection of the
measurement light at each of the mirror modules of the illumination
beam path; ascertaining current measurement values for at least one
system measurement variable from detected measurement light, the
current measurement values representing a current state of the
system measurement variable of the illumination system;
ascertaining correction values from the current measurement values
using sensitivities that represent a relationship between the
system measurement variable and a change in the orientation of at
least one mirror module in its installation position; and adjusting
at least one mirror module with variation of the orientation of the
mirror module in the installation position in degrees of freedom of
a rigid body using the correction values to change the current
state in a manner such that in the case of irradiation with EUV
radiation from the EUV radiation source, the illumination radiation
in the illumination field fulfills the illumination specification,
wherein the method further comprises: removing the first mirror
module from the illumination system; and installing a third mirror
module in place of the first mirror module into the installation
position.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising adjusting the third
mirror module by changing an orientation of the mirror module in
the installation position in degrees of freedom of a rigid
body.
23. The method of claim 21, further comprising modifying the first
mirror module to provide the third mirror module.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of, and claims
benefit under 35 USC 120 to, international application
PCT/EP2017/053993, filed Feb. 22, 2017, which claims benefit under
35 USC 119 of German Application No. 10 2016 203 990.3, filed on
Mar. 10, 2016. The entire disclosures of these applications are
incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD
[0002] The disclosure relates to a method for producing an
illumination system for an EUV apparatus in and to an illumination
system for an EUV apparatus. The EUV apparatus can be, for example,
a projection exposure apparatus for EUV microlithography or a mask
inspection apparatus, employing EUV radiation, for inspecting masks
(reticles) for EUV microlithography.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Lithographic projection exposure methods are predominantly
used nowadays for producing semiconductor components and other
finely structured components, such as, for example, masks for
photolithography. In this case, use is made of masks (reticles) or
other patterning devices that bear or form the pattern of a
structure to be imaged, for example a line pattern of a layer of a
semiconductor component. The pattern is positioned in a projection
exposure apparatus between an illumination system and a projection
lens in the region of the object plane of the projection lens and
is illuminated with an illumination radiation shaped by the
illumination system. The radiation modified by the pattern travels
through the projection lens as projection radiation, said
projection lens imaging the pattern with a reduced scale onto the
substrate to be exposed. The surface of the substrate is arranged
in the image plane of the projection lens optically conjugate to
the object plane. The substrate is generally coated with a
radiation-sensitive layer (resist, photoresist).
[0004] One of the aims in the development of projection exposure
apparatuses is to lithographically produce structures having
smaller and smaller dimensions on the substrate, for example to
obtain greater integration densities in semiconductor components.
One approach consists in working with shorter wavelengths of the
electromagnetic radiation. By way of example, optical systems have
been developed which use electromagnetic radiation from the extreme
ultraviolet range (EUV), in particular having operating wavelengths
in the range of between 5 nanometers (nm) and 30 nm, in particular
of 13.5 nm.
[0005] An EUV projection exposure apparatus including an
illumination system is known e.g. from U.S. Pat. No. 7,473,907 B2.
The illumination system is designed for receiving EUV radiation of
an EUV radiation source and for shaping illumination radiation from
at least one portion of the received EUV radiation. The
illumination radiation is directed into an illumination field in an
exit plane of the illumination system during exposure operation,
wherein the exit plane of the illumination system and the object
plane of the projection lens advantageously coincide. The
illumination radiation is characterized by specific illumination
parameters and is incident on the pattern within the illumination
field with a defined position, shape and size at defined angles.
The EUV radiation source, which may be a plasma source, for
example, is arranged in a source module separate from the
illumination system, said source module generating a secondary
radiation source at a source position in an entrance plane of the
illumination system.
[0006] Arranged in a housing of an illumination system of the type
considered here are a plurality of mirror modules, which are each
located in the final installed state at installation positions that
are provided for the mirror modules. The mirror modules or
reflective mirror surfaces of the mirror modules define an
illumination beam path extending from the source position to the
illumination field. The mirror modules include a first mirror
module having a first facet mirror at a first installation position
and a second mirror module having a second facet mirror at a second
installation position of the illumination system. A mirror module
of this type has a main body acting as a carrier, on which facet
elements with reflective facets are mounted alone or in groups in
accordance with a specific local distribution.
[0007] If the reflective facets of the first facet mirror are
situated at or near a field plane of the illumination system that
is conjugate to the exit plane, the first facet mirror is
frequently also referred to as a "field facet mirror."
Correspondingly, the second facet mirror is frequently also
referred to as a "pupil facet mirror" if the reflective facets
thereof are situated at or near a pupil plane which is
Fourier-transformed with respect to the exit plane.
[0008] The two facet mirrors contribute in the illumination system
of the EUV apparatus to the homogenization or mixing of the EUV
radiation.
[0009] DE 10 2012 209 412 A1 makes note of the fact that, in facet
mirrors for EUV applications, the correct angular orientation of
the individual facets of each facet mirror is important for the
quality of the beam shaping. The emphasis is here on the fact that
the individual facets of an individual facet mirror can have
different angular orientations relative to one another and that
each angular orientation of each facet must be correctly adjusted
for the proper function of the facet mirror in the optical system.
Therefore it is considered desirable for the angular orientations
of the facets to be adjusted with the correct orientation during
the production of a facet mirror, which assumes a corresponding
precise measurement of the angular orientations of the individual
facets. Proposed for this purpose is an optical method for
measuring angular orientations of facets of at least one facet
mirror of an optical system designed for EUV applications and for
subsequently adjusting the angular orientations in dependence on
the measured angular orientations. In this method, the facets of
the facet mirror are illuminated with measurement light. The
measurement light which is reflected by the facets is detected and
evaluated to obtain current angular orientations, wherein the
angular orientations are subsequently adjusted if the current
angular orientations deviate from desired angular orientations. The
angular orientations of the facets are obtained in a spectrum of
angular orientations of at least .+-.10.degree. with respect to a
reference axis. The method can be performed both on a facet mirror
which has been demounted from the illumination system and also on a
facet mirror which is mounted at its installation position in the
illumination system.
[0010] The method permits measurement and setting of angular
orientations of facets of the facet mirrors with great
precision.
[0011] WO 2010/008993 A1 describes illumination systems having
facet mirrors, in which the individual facets are tiltable so as to
be able to set for example a different illumination setting during
the operation of the projection exposure apparatus by tilting
individual facets or all facets. Also described therein is a
measurement apparatus for permitting measurement of the angular
orientations of the tiltable facets during the operation of the
projection exposure apparatus. To this end, the measurement
apparatus has for each facet mirror a measurement light source and
a detector, which is in the form of a Shack-Hartmann sensor.
SUMMARY
[0012] The disclosure seeks to specify a method for producing an
illumination system, in which it is possible to systematically
optimize the mirror positions after installation, with the result
that the desired optical performance can be attained within an
acceptable time period. The disclosure also seeks to provide an
illumination system which can be kept in a well-adjusted state with
a reasonable amount of effort.
[0013] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method for
producing an illumination system for an EUV apparatus, wherein the
illumination system is embodied to receive, during operation of the
EUV apparatus, EUV radiation (LR) of an EUV radiation source (LS)
at a source position in an entrance plane and to shape, from at
least one portion of the received EUV radiation, illumination
radiation that is directed into an illumination field in an exit
plane (ES) of the illumination system and in the illumination field
fulfills an illumination specification. The method has the
following steps: installing mirror modules of the illumination
system at installation positions provided for the mirror modules to
establish an illumination beam path which extends from the source
position to the illumination field, wherein the mirror modules
include a first mirror module having a first facet mirror at a
first installation position and a second mirror module having a
second facet mirror at a second installation position of the
illumination system; coupling measurement light into the
illumination beam path at an input coupling position upstream of a
first mirror module of the illumination beam path; detecting
measurement light after reflection of the measurement light at each
of the mirror modules of the illumination beam path; ascertaining
current measurement values for at least one system measurement
variable from detected measurement light, wherein the current
measurement values represent a current state of the system
measurement variable of the illumination system; ascertaining
correction values from the current measurement values using
sensitivities that represent a relationship between the system
measurement variable and a change in the orientation of at least
one mirror module in its installation position; and adjusting at
least one mirror module with variation of the orientation of the
mirror module in the installation position in degrees of freedom of
a rigid body using the correction values to change the current
state in a manner such that in the case of irradiation with EUV
radiation from the EUV radiation source, the illumination radiation
in the illumination field fulfills the illumination
specification.
[0014] In another aspect, the disclosure provides an illumination
system for an EUV apparatus, wherein the illumination system is
embodied to receive, during operation of the EUV apparatus, EUV
radiation (LR) of an EUV radiation source at a source position in
an entrance plane and to shape, from at least one portion of the
received EUV radiation, illumination radiation that is directed
into an illumination field in an exit plane of the illumination
system and in the illumination field fulfills an illumination
specification. The illumination system includes: a plurality of
mirror modules, which are installed at installation positions of
the illumination system provided for the mirror modules and define
an illumination beam path which extends from the source position to
the illumination field. The mirror modules include a first mirror
module having a first facet mirror at a first installation position
and a second mirror module having a second facet mirror at a second
installation position of the illumination system. The illumination
system also includes integrated components of a measurement system
for measuring measurement values that contain information for
determining orientations of the mirror modules in the respective
installation positions that are associated with the mirror modules,
wherein the measurement system is configured to couple measurement
light into the illumination beam path at an input coupling position
upstream of a first mirror module of the illumination beam path and
to detect it after reflection of the measurement light at each of
the mirror modules of the illumination beam path.
[0015] It has been recognized that, despite precise manufacturing
methods for the components of mirror modules and a carrier
structure of an illumination system, mechanical installation
tolerances of the mirror modules at their installation positions in
the illumination system can be so great that the desired optical
performance immediately after installation of the mirror modules is
not systematically attainable. By way of example, an installation
orientation can deviate from the desired position by up to 1 mm
and/or the rotational orientation after installation can deviate
from the desired design orientation (desired orientation) by up to
1 mrad.
[0016] The disclosure permits targeted adjustment of the
orientation of mirror modules at their respective installation
position and relative to one another. The possible orientation
changes in the adjustment can be performed in the six degrees of
freedom (DOF) of a complete mirror module. During the adjustment, a
mirror module can thus be moved in three mutually independent
directions (translation) and be pivoted about three mutually
independent axes (rotation). The orientation of a mirror module can
be described e.g. by way of a reference between a module coordinate
system and a system coordinate system of the entire illumination
system. If the mirror module is a mirror module of a facet mirror,
the orientation change can be performed without changing the
relative orientations of the facets with respect to the main body.
The relative orientations of the facets with respect to the main
body or relative to one another should be correctly set temporally
before the adjustment considered here, e.g. using the method of DE
10 2012 209 412 A1.
[0017] The claimed disclosure provides system measurement
technology that permits the targeted adjustment of the entire
illumination system and thereby the production of an illumination
system which is well adjusted for later use. Used herefor is
preferably measurement light from a different wavelength range than
EUV radiation which is utilized during proper use of the
illumination system. For example, the measurement light can be part
of the visible spectral range or the adjoining UV spectral range or
IR spectral range, with the result that the measurement and the
adjustment can also be performed on an open, non-evacuated
illumination system.
[0018] During the method, a substantial portion of the illumination
beam path is recreated using measurement light. To this end,
measurement light is coupled into the illumination beam path at an
input coupling position which is situated upstream of a first
mirror module of the illumination beam path. The term "first mirror
module" here refers to the mirror module that is located optically
the closest to the source position or the entrance plane of the
illumination system and consequently is first to receive the EUV
radiation from the EUV radiation source during operation of the EUV
apparatus. The input measurement light is subsequently incident on
all mirror modules of the illumination beam path in succession.
After reflection of the measurement light at each of the mirror
modules of the illumination beam path, the measurement light is
detected. The measurement light is consequently coupled in and out
at opposite end regions of the illumination beam path. The detected
measurement light contains information relating to the orientation
of each of the mirror modules which are irradiated in
succession.
[0019] Current measurement values for at least one system
measurement variable are ascertained from the detected measurement
light. The current measurement values represent the current state
of the respectively considered system measurement variable of the
illumination state during the measurement. Using sensitivities that
represent a relationship between the respective system measurement
variable and a change in the orientation of at least one mirror
module in its installation position, correction values are
ascertained from the current measurement values. The correction
values indicate how the current state must be changed in order to
approach the desired state. On the basis of the measurement, the
correction values are used to then perform an adjustment of at
least one mirror module with variation of the orientation of the
mirror module in its installation position, i.e. in its degrees of
freedom of a rigid body, in order to change the (measured) current
state in a manner such that, with appropriate use, in the case of
irradiation with EUV radiation from the EUV radiation source, the
illumination radiation in the illumination field fulfills the
illumination specification.
[0020] The measurement light is coupled in as if a light source
were located at the source position. The source beam is imitated in
this way. In this case, it is not individual angular orientations
or other parameters relevant for the definition of the orientation
of a mirror module that are measured, but the state of the
radiation after it has passed all the mirrors of the illumination
beam path. The quality of the adjustment is consequently determined
on the basis of the overall performance of the illumination system
and is improved by orientation changes of a mirror module, of a
plurality of mirror modules or of all mirror modules to the extent
that the illumination radiation is within the illumination
specification.
[0021] The associated illumination system has one or more
integrated components of the measurement system for measuring
measurement values which contain information relating to the
determination of orientations of the mirror modules in the
respective installation positions that are associated with the
mirror modules. It is not necessary here for absolute indications
relating to the specific definition of an orientation of a mirror
module at its installation position to be provided. Rather, it is
possible to ascertain on the basis of the measurement instructions
as to which mirror module (one or more) should be changed with
respect to its orientation and how this should be done in order to
make the illumination system fulfill the specification. In other
words: It is possible using known relationships to calculate from
deviations between measured current measurement values and desired
values corrective movements or corrective displacements of the
mirror modules (one or more) in order to reduce errors ascertained
during the measurement and possibly minimize them. It is assumed
here that there is a mathematically describable relationship
between deviations of the variables which are observable by way of
measurement (i.e. the observables) and the orientation changes of
the mirror modules in terms of translation and/or rotation. This is
referred to here as "sensitivity." A sensitivity indicates a
relationship between the system measurement variable (which is
accessible by measurement) and a change in the orientation of at
least one mirror module in its installation position.
[0022] The adjustment process can be performed relatively quickly
and in targeted fashion when meaningful system measurement
variables are used which permit unique conclusions as to the
orientation changes to be performed on mirror modules.
[0023] In accordance with a development, a position of the
illumination field in the exit plane of the illumination system is
ascertained from the current measurement values. For the
ascertainment of the system measurement variable "position of the
illumination field," the measurement system can be operated in a
"measurement mode for field orientation."
[0024] Alternatively, but preferably additionally, in a
development, a local distribution of measurement light in a pupil
plane, which is Fourier-transformed with respect to the exit plane,
of the illumination system is ascertained. For the ascertainment of
the system measurement variable "local distribution of measurement
light in the pupil plane," the measurement system can be operated
in a "measurement mode for telecentricity." The term
"telecentricity" here refers to the angle distribution of
illumination radiation in the illumination field, determined by way
of the local distribution of measurement light in the pupil
plane.
[0025] This angle distribution is generally dependent on the field
point (point in the illumination field) from which the illumination
system is measured. The measurement of the system measurement
variable "local distribution of measurement light in the pupil
plane" can, if desired, be performed for various field regions such
that the telecentricity can be determined as a function of field
coordinates.
[0026] Preferably, a position of a measurement light spot on a
facet of the second facet mirror is ascertained as a further system
measurement variable from the current measurement values. The
associated measurement mode of the measurement system is here also
referred to as "spot measurement mode." Using the spot measurement
mode, the robustness of the system performance with respect to
minor changes after the adjustment can be improved. If it is
ascertained in the spot measurement mode that a luminous spot is
located close to the periphery of the associated facet of the
second facet mirror, this indicates that possibly even a minor
orientation change of the second facet mirror could result in the
luminous spot missing the associated facet or being only partially
incident on the facet. As a result, corresponding radiation
portions would be lost during exposure operation. If the spot
measurement mode indicates such a critical peripheral location of a
luminous spot, it is possible with a corresponding orientation
change of one or more of the mirror modules to attempt to arrange
the luminous spots on the associated facets of the second facet
mirror as centrally as possible on the associated facets, or at any
rate far away from the periphery of the facets, so that critical
peripheral locations of luminous spots are avoided even in the case
of later slight geometry changes within the illumination beam
path.
[0027] Preferably, all three of the system measurement variables
mentioned are determined for an adjustment.
[0028] There are various possibilities of determining with
sufficient precision the system measurement variables which have
been identified as being advantageous. A particularly quick and
reliable variant is characterized in that, for the ascertainment of
the position of the illumination field, two or more characteristic
points (landmarks) at the periphery and/or within the illumination
field are defined, a current position of the illumination field is
determined on the basis of the current positions of the
characteristic points in the exit plane or in a measurement plane
that is conjugate to the exit plane, and a desired position of the
illumination field is defined on the basis of the desired positions
of the characteristic points. In other words, it is not necessary
for the entire illumination field to be captured by measurement.
Rather, it suffices to observe a suitable selection of
characteristic points, to define them with respect to their
position, and to use them in determining the correction values.
[0029] A targeted adjustment is simplified in that, in an
evaluation of the current measurement values, a stipulation
relating to a change in orientation of at least one of the mirror
modules is derived from a position difference between the current
positions and the associated desired positions of the
characteristic points. It is thus directly possible to ascertain
from the locations of the characteristic points operating
instructions for orientation changes on mirror modules.
[0030] Analogously, for the ascertainment of the local distribution
of measurement light in the pupil plane, which is
Fourier-transformed with respect to the exit plane, a multiplicity
of characteristic points (landmarks) in the pupil plane can be
defined, a current local distribution of the measurement light can
be determined on the basis of the current positions of the
characteristic points in a measurement plane, which is
Fourier-transformed with respect to the exit plane, and a desired
local distribution of the measurement light can be defined on the
basis of the desired positions of the characteristic points. It is
possible in this case as well to derive operating instructions for
the steps that are to be performed in the adjustment by deriving,
in an evaluation of the current measurement values, a stipulation
for a change in the orientation of at least one of the mirror
modules from a position difference between the current positions
and the associated desired positions of the characteristic
points.
[0031] A precise performable variant of the spot measurement mode
is characterized in that, for the ascertainment of the position of
a measurement light spot on a facet of the second facet mirror, a
position of the measurement light source is displaced relative to a
desired position and an intensity of a measurement light spot is
captured as a function of the extent of the displacement. The
position dependence of the spot intensity is consequently used as
an indicator of the extent of the centering or decentering of a
measurement light spot on a facet of the second facet mirror.
[0032] Alternatively, it is also possible in the spot measurement
mode to capture two images of a facet of the second facet mirror
and to evaluate them together. A first image here contains an
imaging of the measurement light spot (which illuminates the facet
only in a locally limited fashion), and a second image contains an
imaging of a completely lit facet of the second facet mirror. From
a position-accurate superposition of the first and of the second
image, the position of the measurement light spot on the respective
facet can be determined.
[0033] The method can be used in the original production of the
illumination system, i.e. during first production (first
installation), to initially adjust the installed mirror modules
with respect to their orientation such that the illumination system
in the finished mounted state fulfills the illumination
specification. To this end, a separate measuring machine may be
provided, which contains all the components of the measurement
system. These components generally include a measurement light
source module, with which measurement light is produced, and a
detector module, with which the measurement light, after it has
passed through the relevant part of the illumination beam path
(reflection at all mirror modules), is detected and prepared for
evaluation. The measuring machine can contain a measurement frame,
in which the frame of the illumination system can be installed.
Using a positioning system, the frame of the illumination system
can be moved into the correct position with respect to the
measurement light source module and the detector module so that the
measurement can be performed.
[0034] However, other cases are possible, in which an illumination
system of an EUV apparatus at the location of an end user has
already been in operation for a prolonged period of time and an
adjustment should be performed as part of maintenance works. It is
in particular also possible for a mirror module, after prolonged
proper use under EUV irradiation, to change in terms of its
properties so considerably due to optical, thermal and/or
mechanical influences that it needs to be demounted and replaced by
a different but not yet defunct mirror module of nominally
identical or similar construction. This is also possible within the
scope of the claimed disclosure. The wording "producing an
illumination system" consequently also includes a restoration, in
particular in the case of an end user at the site of earlier
use.
[0035] Such method variants are characterized by a replacement
operation of a mirror module, in which a mirror module is demounted
from its installation position, the mirror module is removed from
the illumination system, and a mirror module of nominally identical
construction is installed in the installation position in place of
the removed mirror module. The mirror module of nominally identical
construction can be the same mirror module which has been
externally newly adjusted and/or repaired, or a different mirror
module which has the same optical effect and is structurally
identical or similar to the demounted mirror module. The mirror
module of nominally identical construction can differ from the
demounted mirror module e.g. with respect to some properties, such
as material selection, new/other details etc. This exchange (swap
operation) should be able to be performed in situ if possible, that
is to say at the site of the end user of the EUV apparatus. Even
after a mirror module has been replaced, an adjustment would
generally be used to bring the illumination system back to
specification.
[0036] Before the exchange, a reference measurement is preferably
performed using the measurement system to document the adjustment
state before the start of the swap operation. After the swap
operation has finished, the state measured then can be compared to
the reference state, e.g. in order to restore the adjustment state
from before the swap operation.
[0037] If desired, a channel selection can preferably be performed.
To this end, different selected ray angles of the input measurement
light into the illumination beam path are set successively during
the input coupling of measurement light so as to separately measure
individual illumination channels. The term illumination channel
here refers to a fraction of the entire illumination beam path. An
illumination channel extends from the source position via a
selected first facet and via a second facet, which is currently
associated with said first facet, all the way into a field region,
which is lit by the illumination channel, in the exit plane (or a
plane which is equivalent thereto).
[0038] An illumination system which permits in-situ adjustment of
this type is characterized by integrated components of a
measurement system for measuring measurement values that contain
information for determining orientations of the mirror modules in
the respective installation positions that are associated with the
mirror modules, wherein the measurement system is configured to
couple measurement light into the illumination beam path at an
input coupling position upstream of a first mirror module of the
illumination beam path and to detect it after reflection of the
measurement light at each of the mirror modules of the illumination
beam path.
[0039] The illumination system is consequently prepared and
fabricated for an in-situ measurement, that is to say at the site
of use, for example at a semiconductor chip manufacturer.
[0040] In accordance with a development, the illumination system
includes first interface structures for coupling with a measurement
light source module of the measurement system, second interface
structures for coupling with a detector module of the measurement
system, a switchable input coupling device for coupling measurement
light, which has been emitted by the measurement light source
module, into the illumination beam path at an input coupling
position upstream of a first mirror module of the illumination beam
path, and a switchable output coupling device for coupling
measurement light out in the direction of a detector module
position after reflection at each of the mirror modules of the
illumination beam path. The first and second interface structures
can be used to secure as desired the possibly transportable modules
of the measurement system, such as the measurement light source
module and/or the detector module, in the correct position to the
body of the illumination system so as to hereby set up the
measurement system. The input coupling device and the output
coupling device can be used to switch the illumination system
between the EUV operation configuration (without input coupling of
measurement light) and a measurement configuration (with input and
output coupling of measurement light). The switchable devices
(input coupling device, output coupling device) can remain in situ
at the illumination system, while the measurement light source
module and/or the detector module are possibly attached only for
the actual measurement and adjustment process and, outside these
times, may be used at a different location. Also feasible is that
all components of the measurement system remain at the illumination
system, which means that any misalignment effects occurring over
the lifetime of the illumination system at the end user's location
can be readjusted if desired or at specified maintenance intervals
without major delays.
[0041] The input coupling device in some variants has a plane
mirror (input coupling mirror), which can be selectively moved
between a neutral position outside the illumination beam path and
an input coupling position within the illumination beam path,
wherein, in the input coupling position, measurement light of the
measurement light source module is coupled into the illumination
beam path by way of the plane mirror upstream of a first mirror
module and, in the neutral position, the input coupling mirror is
situated outside the illumination beam path. The input coupling
mirror can be designed e.g. as a folding mirror or as a linearly
displaceable mirror.
[0042] The output coupling device in some variants has a plane
mirror (output coupling mirror), which can be selectively moved
between a neutral position outside the illumination beam path and
an output coupling position within the illumination beam path,
wherein, in the output coupling position, measurement light is
coupled out of the illumination beam path by reflection at a last
mirror module and, in the neutral position, the output coupling
mirror is situated outside the illumination beam path. The output
coupling mirror can be designed e.g. as a folding mirror or as a
linearly displaceable mirror.
[0043] In some embodiments, the measurement light source module is
designed such that the beam angle of the measurement light into the
illumination beam path can be set as desired, for example to
separately measure individual illumination beam channels.
[0044] An exemplary embodiment with this function is characterized
in that the measurement light source module has a primary
measurement light source in an entrance plane, and a 4f imaging
system for imaging the primary measurement light source into a
secondary measurement light source is connected downstream of the
primary measurement light source in an exit plane that is conjugate
to the entrance plane, wherein, in a Fourier plane between the
entrance plane and the exit plane, a stop which is displaceable
transversely to the optical axis of the imaging system and has a
through-opening for measurement light is arranged. The stop can act
as a channel selection stop for selecting a single measurement
channel for a measurement from a multiplicity of possible
measurement channels or a corresponding angle of incidence.
[0045] The detector module can be designed such that it can be used
for all measurement modes and any desired switch between different
measurement modes is possible without great effort. The detector
module preferably has a field camera and a pupil camera, wherein
the field camera can be used to capture an intensity distribution
in a field plane of the illumination system and the pupil camera
can be used to capture an intensity distribution in a pupil plane
of the illumination system. Particularly reliable are variants in
which the cameras can be selectively brought into their capturing
position by way of a simple displacement of the complete detector
module, e.g. by way of a transverse displacement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] Further advantages and aspects of the disclosure are evident
from the claims and from the following description of preferred
exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, which are explained below
with reference to the figures.
[0047] FIG. 1 shows by way of example optical components of an EUV
microlithographic projection exposure apparatus in accordance with
an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0048] FIG. 2 shows a number of ray trajectories in a mirror
arrangement having two facet mirrors;
[0049] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a measurement light
source module;
[0050] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a detector
module;
[0051] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a beam path in a
measurement mode for field orientation;
[0052] FIG. 6 shows characteristic points of an illumination
field;
[0053] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a beam path in a
measurement mode for telecentricity;
[0054] FIG. 8 shows local distributions of measurement light spots
in a pupil plane of the illumination system in a measurement mode
for telecentricity;
[0055] FIGS. 9A and 9B show a schematic beam path in 9A and a
diagram of the position dependence of the spot intensity in a spot
measurement mode in 9B;
[0056] FIGS. 10A and 10B schematically illustrates a different
variant of the spot measurement mode;
[0057] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary embodiment of a measuring machine
for carrying out the method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0058] FIG. 1 shows by way of example optical components of an EUV
microlithographic projection exposure apparatus WSC in accordance
with an embodiment of the disclosure. The EUV microlithographic
projection exposure apparatus serves during an operation for
exposing a radiation-sensitive substrate W, which is arranged in
the region of an image plane IS of a projection lens PO, with at
least one image of a pattern of a reflective mask (here also
alternatively referred to as reticle), said pattern being arranged
in the region of an object plane OS of the projection lens. In the
case of the example, the substrate is a wafer composed of
semiconductor material that is coated with a light-sensitive resist
layer.
[0059] To facilitate understanding of the description, a Cartesian
system coordinate system SKS is indicated, which reveals the
respective orientation relationship of the components illustrated
in the figures. The projection exposure apparatus WSC is of the
scanner type. The x-axis extends perpendicularly to the plane of
the drawing in FIG. 1. The y-axis runs toward the right. The z-axis
runs downward. The object plane OS and the image plane IS both run
parallel to the x-y-plane. During the operation of the projection
exposure apparatus, the mask and the substrate are moved
synchronously or simultaneously in the y-direction (scanning
direction) during a scan operation and are thereby scanned.
[0060] The apparatus is operated with the radiation from a primary
radiation source RS. An illumination system ILL serves for
receiving the radiation from the primary radiation source and for
shaping illumination radiation directed onto the pattern. The
projection lens PO serves for imaging the pattern onto the
light-sensitive substrate.
[0061] The primary radiation source RS may be, inter alia, a laser
plasma source or a gas discharge source or a synchrotron-based
radiation source or a free electron laser (FEL). Such radiation
sources generate a radiation RAD in the EUV range, in particular
having wavelengths of between 5 nm and 15 nm. The illumination
system and the projection lens are constructed with components that
are reflective to EUV radiation in order that they can operate in
this wavelength range.
[0062] The primary radiation source RS is situated in a source
module SM, which is separate from the illumination system ILL and
also has, inter alia, a collector COL for collecting the primary
EUV radiation. The source module SM generates during exposure
operation a secondary radiation source SLS at a source position SP
in an entrance plane ES of the illumination system ILL. The
secondary radiation source SLS is the optical interface between the
EUV radiation source or the source module SM and the illumination
system ILL.
[0063] The illumination system includes a mixing unit MIX and a
plane deflection mirror GM (also referred to as G mirror GM), which
is operated under grazing incidence. The illumination system shapes
the radiation and thereby illuminates an illumination field BF
situated in the object plane OS of the projection lens PO or in the
vicinity thereof. In this case, the shape and size of the
illumination field determine the shape and size of the effectively
used object field in the object plane OS. During operation of the
apparatus, the reflective reticle is arranged in the region of the
object plane OS.
[0064] The mixing unit MIX substantially consists of two facet
mirrors FAC1, FAC2. The first facet mirror FAC1 is arranged in a
plane of the illumination system which is optically conjugate with
respect to the object plane OS. Therefore, it is also referred to
as a field facet mirror. The second facet mirror FAC2 is arranged
in a pupil plane of the illumination system that is optically
conjugate with respect to a pupil plane of the projection lens.
Therefore, it is also referred to as a pupil facet mirror.
[0065] With the aid of the pupil facet mirror FAC2 and the optical
assembly disposed downstream in the beam path and including the
deflection mirror GM operated with grazing incidence, the
individual mirroring facets (individual mirrors) of the first facet
mirror FAC1 are imaged into the illumination field.
[0066] The spatial (local) illumination intensity distribution at
the field facet mirror FAC1 determines the local illumination
intensity distribution in the illumination field. The spatial
(local) illumination intensity distribution at the pupil facet
mirror FAC2 determines the illumination angle intensity
distribution in the illumination field OF.
[0067] The shape of the illumination field is determined
substantially by the shape of the facets of the field facet mirror
FAC1, the images of which fall into the exit plane of the
illumination system. The illumination field can be a rectangular
field or a curved field (ring field).
[0068] The beam-guiding region optically between the source
position SP and the exit plane (plane of the image field) is the
illumination beam path, in which the EUV radiation is successively
incident during operation on the first facet mirror FAC1, the
second facet mirror FAC2 and the deflection mirror GM.
[0069] For further explanation, FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a
mirror arrangement SA, having a first facet mirror FAC1 and a
second facet mirror FAC2.
[0070] The first facet mirror FAC1 has a multiplicity of first
facets F1, which are in the form of elongate arcs in the exemplary
embodiment shown. This shape of the first facets, however, should
be understood to be merely exemplary. Only some of the facets are
shown.
[0071] The number of first facets in practice is typically
significantly higher and can be more than 100 or even more than
300.
[0072] The second facet mirror FAC2 has a multiplicity of second
facets F2, which are in the form of small dies in the exemplary
embodiment shown, which again should be understood to be merely an
example.
[0073] The first facets F1 are arranged on a first main body B1 of
the first facet mirror FAC1. The first main body forms, together
with the first facets it carries and any further components, e.g.
attachment devices, actuators etc., a first mirror module SM1.
[0074] The first mirror module SM1 can be installed in its entirety
at the installation position that is provided therefor on an
associated first carrier structure TS1 of the illumination system
or be demounted again in its entirety and removed. The orientation
of the first mirror module SM1 in space, or relative to a reference
coordinate system (e.g. the SKS of the housing of the illumination
system), can be defined by way of the first module coordinate
system MKS1.
[0075] The second facets F2 are analogously arranged on a second
main body B2 of the second facet mirror, as a result of which a
completely installable and replaceable second mirror module SM2 is
formed. The orientation of the second mirror module SM2 in space,
or relative to a reference coordinate system, can be defined by way
of the second module coordinate system MKS2.
[0076] The relative orientation or position of a mirror module with
respect to the associated carrier structures (frame structure of
the illumination system) or to the system coordinate system that is
linked thereto can be continuously or incrementally set with great
accuracy in six degrees of freedom. Suitable adjustment mechanisms
are provided herefor, which can also be referred to as tilt
manipulators. A tilt manipulator can include e.g. two set screws
and a joint or three set screws which can have their movement
direction perpendicular to a virtual mirror plane. However, a
motor-driven mechanism may also be provided (e.g. a motor-driven
set screw or a hydraulic set cylinder), which can also be used in a
closed vacuum chamber. An incremental adjustment of the orientation
by way of interchangeable spacers is likewise possible. The
elements for orientation setting can be situated between the frame
structure (carrier structure) of the illumination system and
suitable interface points of a mirror module. Separate orientation
sensors may be provided for capturing the installation orientation
of a mirror module at its installation site. An orientation sensor
can operate e.g. electrically, electromagnetically or optically. By
way of example, three distance sensors (e.g. capacitive,
interferometric or laser sensors) can be mounted to the frame
structure and adjusted. Located at the associated mirror module can
be corresponding counter-surfaces (targets), which are either
adjusted very precisely with respect to the mirror module or have a
position with respect to the module coordinate system which is very
precisely known.
[0077] Drawn in FIG. 2 by way of example are a few rays ST
illustrating the EUV illumination beam path when the mirror
arrangement is installed in an optical system and in operation. The
rays ST start here from a first field plane FE1 (intermediate
focus), and are then reflected by the facets F1 of the first facet
mirror FAC1 onto the facets F2 of the second facet mirror FAC2. The
rays are directed by the facets F2 of the second facet mirror FAC2
into a second field plane FE2, corresponding to the exit plane of
the illumination system. Images IM of the facets of the first facet
mirror FAC1 are thereby produced in the second field plane FE2,
wherein, in more precise terms, the images of all first facets F1
are produced in the field plane FE2 by mutual superposition. The
superposed images IM together form the lit illumination field
BF.
[0078] Between the facets F1 of the first facet mirror FAC1 and the
facets F2 of the second facet mirror FAC2 there is a unique
correspondence. That means that each facet F1 of the first facet
mirror FAC1 is assigned a specific facet F2 of the second facet
mirror FAC2. In FIG. 2, this is shown for a facet F1-A and a facet
F1-B of the first facet mirror FAC1 and a facet F2-A and a facet
F2-B of the second facet mirror FAC2. In other words, the rays ST
that are reflected by the facet F1-A are incident exactly on the
facet F2-A, and the used light rays that are reflected by the facet
F1-B are incident on the facet F2-B etc. In this case, there is a
one-to-one correspondence between the facets F1 of the first facet
mirror FAC1 and the facets F2 of the second facet mirror FAC2.
[0079] In deviation from a one-to-one correspondence between the
facets F1 and F2, it is also possible, however, that each facet F1
is assigned more than one facet of the facets F2. This is the case
if the facets F1 are tiltable, that is to say can assume various
tilted states, with the result that, in a first tilted state, each
facet F1 is assigned a specific facet of the second facets F2, and,
accordingly, in a different tilted state, is assigned a different
facet of the second facets F2. Generally possible is a one-to-n
correspondence (n being a natural number) between the first facets
F1 and the second facets F2, depending on how many states the first
facets F1 can assume.
[0080] The illumination beam path is composed of many individual
illumination channels, wherein an illumination channel extends in
each case from the source position or from the intermediate focus
FE1, via a first facet F1 and a second facet F2 that is currently
assigned to the first facet, into the illumination field.
[0081] In the exemplary embodiment shown of the mirror arrangement,
the first facet mirror FAC1 is conjugate to the field plane FE2 and
is therefore also referred to as a field facet mirror. In
comparison, the second facet mirror FAC2 is conjugate to a pupil
plane and is therefore also referred to as a pupil facet
mirror.
[0082] In the case that the mirror arrangement is used in an
illumination system of a projection exposure apparatus, the field
plane FE2 is the plane in which the reticle is arranged, the
pattern of which is intended to be imaged onto a wafer. In the case
that the mirror arrangement SA is used in a mask inspection
apparatus, the field plane FE2 is the plane in which the mask to be
inspected is arranged.
[0083] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the illumination
system includes, in addition to a mirror arrangement having two
facet mirrors FAC1 and FAC2, which acts as a mixing unit MIX, also
the field-shaping mirror FFM, which is operated under grazing
incidence and is situated between the second facet mirror FAC2 and
the exit plane or the object plane of the projection lens. This
additional mirror can be favorable for reasons of installation
space. In other exemplary embodiments, the illumination system has,
aside from the two facet mirrors FAC1 and FAC2, no further mirrors
in the illumination beam path.
[0084] In the illumination system ILL from FIG. 1, all three mirror
modules, i.e. the first field facet mirror FAC1, the second field
facet mirror FAC2 and the deflection mirror GM, are in each case
replaceable in their entirety. That is to say, after releasing
corresponding attachment devices, they can be removed from their
respective installation positions and be replaced by other
components, for example components which are nominally of the same
construction, without completely disassembling the illumination
system. This has been instituted, inter alia, because it may be
possible for the mirror properties to degrade after prolonged
irradiation with high-energy EUV radiation to the point where the
intended overall performance of the illumination system can no
longer be ensured. Replacement of a mirror module may be
appropriate for other reasons as well, for example if, in a facet
mirror having facets which are resettable by way of actuators,
facet resetting fails.
[0085] The replacement of a mirror module should be able to be
performed within a short period of time and, after the mirror
exchange, the illumination system should once again fulfill its
desired function. In particular, the position of the illumination
field in the exit plane should be situated sufficiently close to
its desired position and the radiation should again be incident on
the illumination field with the same angle distribution at a given
illumination setting as before the mirror exchange.
[0086] Since it is nevertheless not possible, despite narrow
manufacturing tolerances, to ensure that the optical performance of
the illumination system after replacement of a mirror module
systematically corresponds again to the desired performance before
the mirror exchange, auxiliary devices are provided in the
illumination system of the exemplary embodiment that permit the
systematic optimization of the mirror positions after installation
such that the desired optical performance can be achieved within an
acceptable time period. Said devices make possible a targeted
adjustment of the illumination system at the site of its use, that
is to say for example at the place of manufacture of semiconductor
chips.
[0087] For this reason, inter alia, the illumination system is
equipped with components of a measurement system IVIES which
permits optical acquisition of information for determining the
orientations of the mirror modules in the respective installation
positions that are associated with the mirror modules, with the
result that the adjustment can be systematically made on the basis
of the measurement values which are obtained by the measurement
system. The measurement system MES of the exemplary embodiment has
the following components.
[0088] A measurement light source module MSM includes a measurement
light source MLS for emitting measurement light from the visible
spectral range. The measurement light source used can be, for
example, a light-emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode. The
measurement light source module MSM is arranged at the housing H of
the illumination system outside the evacuable interior by way of
first interface structures IF1, can be mounted for measurement
purposes and, if needed, removed again and may be used for
measurement purposes at a different location, as desired. The
position of the measurement light source module with respect to the
housing can be changed using positioning drives in terms of
multiple axes and both parallel to the central radiation direction
and perpendicular thereto. An exemplary embodiment of a measurement
light source module will be explained in more detail in connection
with FIG. 3.
[0089] A switchable input coupling device IN is provided for
coupling measurement light emitted by the measurement light source
module MSM into the illumination beam path at an input coupling
position upstream of the first facet mirror FAC1. The input
coupling device includes a plane mirror, which serves as the input
coupling mirror MIN and which can be panned between a neutral
position (illustrated in dashed lines) outside the illumination
beam path and the input coupling position (illustrated in solid
lines) using an electric drive. In the case of the example, the
measurement light source module produces an image of the
measurement light source MLS at the site of the source position SP
(intermediate focus of the EUV radiation). The input coupling
mirror MIN can be panned such that the measurement light beam is
coupled into the illumination beam path at the site of the source
position SP as if the measurement light source MLS were located at
the site of the source position SP. With this arrangement, it is
thus possible to imitate or reproduce the source beam present in
EUV operation by way of measurement light.
[0090] Situated behind the last mirror module of the illumination
beam path, that is to say in the example of FIG. 1 behind the
deflection mirror GM, in the region between the deflection mirror
GM and the exit plane of the illumination system (object plane OS
of the projection lens), is a switchable output coupling device OUT
for coupling measurement light out of the illumination beam path,
wherein the measurement light is coupled out after the measurement
light has been reflected at each of the mirror modules of the
illumination beam path. The switchable output coupling device
includes a plane mirror, which is used as the output coupling
mirror MOUT and which can be panned between the neutral position
(illustrated in dashed lines) outside the illumination beam path
and the output coupling state (illustrated in solid lines) using an
electric drive. In the output coupling state, the output coupling
mirror reflects the measurement light coming from the deflection
mirror GM in the direction of a detector module position, in which
a detector module DET is arranged.
[0091] The detector module DET is attached to the outside of the
housing H of the illumination system in its detector position using
second interface structures IF2 and can be reset in terms of its
position via electrically actuable positioning drives. An exemplary
embodiment will be explained in more detail in connection with FIG.
4.
[0092] All controllable components of the measurement system MES
are connected in signal-transmitting fashion to the control unit SE
of the measurement system in the ready-for-operation installed
state of the measurement system. Also situated in the control unit
is an evaluation unit for evaluating the measurement values
obtained using the measurement light, which measurement values
represent the adjustment state of the mirror modules within the
illumination system.
[0093] On the basis of FIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment of a
measurement light source module MSM is explained in more detail,
which can be used for example in the measurement system from FIG.
1. A primary measurement light source MLS, for example in the form
of an LED, is arranged in an entrance plane E1. Arranged within the
housing are lens elements L1, L2 of a 4f imaging system, with which
an image of the primary measurement light source MLS, that is to
say a secondary measurement light source SMLS, is produced in an
exit plane E2, which is optically conjugate to the entrance plane
E1. Situated between the entrance plane and the exit plane is a
pupil plane PE, which is a plane that is Fourier-transformed with
respect to the entrance plane and exit plane. Located in the region
of the pupil plane PE is a stop CS having an aperture MO, through
which a selected portion of the measurement light can pass. The
position of the aperture MO is freely selectable in two dimensions
within the pupil plane. The displaceable stop CS can thus be used
to select a specific portion of the measurement light for emission.
The site of the through-opening in the pupil plane here determines
the angle of incidence of the measurement light, which was allowed
to pass, at the site of the secondary measurement light source SMLS
and consequently also the beam angle of the measurement light from
the measurement light source module. In this way, various
individual channels or channel groups of the illumination system
can be selected for a measurement.
[0094] On the basis of FIG. 4, an exemplary embodiment of a
detector module DET is explained, which can be used as a detector
module in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1. The detector module
is here arranged such that a first sensor surface SS1 is arranged
in a position that is optically conjugate to a field plane of the
illumination system. In the case of the mirror arrangement of FIG.
2, this plane would correspond, for example, to the second field
plane FE2, in the case of FIG. 1 to the exit plane of the
illumination system that coincides with the object plane OS. A
first sensor SENS1, with which measurement light intensities can be
captured with high spatial resolution, is arranged such that its
light-sensitive sensor surface is located in the first sensor plane
SS1. The first sensor can include, for example, a CCD sensor which
is sensitive to the wavelength spectrum of the measurement light.
For example, a two-dimensional CCD array sensor can be used, as is
also used in video cameras or digital cameras. The first sensor
SENS1 can be used to measure the intensity distribution in a field
plane of the illumination system.
[0095] The function of the first sensor could be realized by way of
a reticle that is equipped with light-sensitive sensors, which
reticle is moved to the position of the reticle (which is used
during operation).
[0096] The detector module includes a second sensor SENS2, which is
likewise a spatially resolving sensor that is sensitive to
measurement light, in the form of a CCD array sensor. The second
sensor is provided for capturing the illumination intensity
distribution in a pupil plane of the illumination system with
corresponding positioning of the detector module. For this purpose,
a Fourier optical unit FO is connected upstream of the second
sensor SENS2, with the result that the second sensor surface SS2 is
situated in a plane which is Fourier-transformed with respect to
the first sensor surface SS1. The measurement light coming from the
illumination system is guided via a slit stop SB in the first plane
SS1 through the Fourier optical unit FO to the second sensor SENS2.
By displacing the detector module parallel to the first plane SS1,
the field camera FK, which is equipped with the first sensor SENS1,
or the pupil camera PK, which is equipped with the second sensor
SENS2, can be selectively used for the measurement.
[0097] It should be assumed that the mechanical installation
tolerances of the mirror modules into the illumination system are
generally too large to ensure the desired optical performance of
the illumination system immediately after installation of the
mirror modules at the installation positions which are each
provided therefor without further adjustment effort. A mirror
module can in this case be misaligned with respect to its desired
orientation in all six degrees of freedom of a rigid body. The
misalignment can be mathematically described by deviations of the
respective mirror coordinate system MKS1, MKS2 etc. with respect to
the system coordinate system SKS. The surface-mounted position can
deviate from the desired design orientation for example up to the
order of magnitude of 1 mm with respect to the translation in the
x-, y- and z-directions and/or up to the order of magnitude of 1
mrad with respect to a rotation around said respective axes.
[0098] In the following text, adjustment methods will be described
which permit the optimization of the mirror position (orientation
of a mirror module in its installation position) after
installation, such that the desired optical performance of the
entire illumination system can be reliably achieved. In many method
variants, the measurement system is used to capture three system
measurement variables or performance measurement variables,
specifically [0099] (i) the position of the illumination field at
the reticle level or in the exit plane of the illumination system
(corresponding to the object plane OS of the projection lens),
[0100] (ii) the local distribution of measurement light in a pupil
plane of the illumination system that is Fourier-transformed with
respect to the exit plane, said local distribution determining the
telecentricity at the reticle level or in the exit plane, and
[0101] (iii) a luminous spot deviation on pupil facets, i.e. the
position of a measurement light spot on a facet of the second facet
mirror FAC2.
[0102] The measurement mode for determining the position of the
illumination field is also referred to below as the "measurement
mode for the field orientation." The measurement mode with which
the local distribution of measurement light in the pupil plane is
determined will also be referred to below as the "measurement mode
for telecentricity." The measurement mode for determining the
luminous spot deviation on pupil facets is also referred to below
as the "spot measurement mode."
[0103] To ascertain the orientation of the illumination field at
the reticle level (measurement mode for field orientation), the
detector module DET is laterally displaced such that the radiation
which is reflected by the output coupling mirror MOUT in the
direction of the detector module is incident on the first sensor
SENS1. A corresponding measurement light beam path is schematically
illustrated in FIG. 5. A measurement light beam coming from the
secondary measurement light source SMLS is first incident on the
first facet mirror FAC1, is reflected thereby in the direction of
an associated second facet F2 of the second facet mirror FAC2, and
is guided hereby via the G mirror GM onto the first sensor SENS1,
where an image of the corresponding first facet F1 is produced.
[0104] FIG. 6 shows an illustration, composed of three partial
images, of an illumination field BF during the measurement. For
quantitatively ascertaining the position of the illumination field,
a number of characteristic points PTF-I along the periphery of the
illumination field are defined. In the case of the example, a
characteristic point PTF-I is located in each of the four corners
of the illumination field. A plurality of characteristic points are
defined with regular and irregular distances along the edges
connecting the corners. The characteristic points PTF-I are
selected such that it is possible by way of their position in the
illustrated drawing plane to calculate the position of the
illumination field with sufficient accuracy. The sought desired
state, which corresponds to the desired performance of the
illumination system, is defined by corresponding characteristic
points PTF-S, which together indicate the desired orientation of
the illumination field in the exit plane. In the evaluation of the
current measurement values, a stipulation for a change in
orientation of at least one of the mirror modules is derived from a
position difference .DELTA.P between the current positions PTF-I
and the associated desired positions PTF-S. If a mirror module is
changed in terms of its orientation in accordance with this
stipulation, the current position of the illumination field
approaches the sought desired position, ideally up to the
coincidence of all orientations of the current positions with the
desired positions.
[0105] For the measurement in the measurement mode for
telecentricity, the measurement system is rearranged on the
detector side by laterally displacing the detector module DET in a
manner such that measurement light passes through the slit stop SB
into the pupil camera having a Fourier optical unit and can be
captured by the second sensor SENS2. A corresponding schematic beam
path is shown in FIG. 7. The pupil camera here records a virtual
image of the second facet mirror FAC2 or of the illumination
intensity distribution on said facet mirror. In a measurement mode
in which a plurality of illumination channels are captured
simultaneously, a plurality of first facets, or all first facets,
on the first facet mirror FAC1 are illuminated such that a number
of channels, with that number corresponding to the number of the
illuminated first facets, contribute to the illumination of the
illumination field. Situated in this case on each facet F2 of the
second facet mirror (pupil facet mirror) should be a luminous spot,
the image of which on the second sensor SENS2 represents the
current position PTP-I in a measurement plane which is
Fourier-transformed with respect to the exit plane. FIG. 8 shows a
possible distribution of measurement light spots in the region of
the pupil facet mirror FAC2. The light spot distribution shown
corresponds to a set dipole illumination with two diametrically
opposite illumination poles. Analogously to the measurement of the
field orientation, to each current position PTP-I belongs a desired
position PTP-S, which represents the desired location of the
corresponding measurement spot. The entirety of the desired
positions then represents the desired local distribution of
measurement light in the pupil plane, in which the facets of the
second facet mirror are located. In the evaluation of the current
measurement values, stipulations for a change in the orientation of
at least one mirror module are derived from the position
differences .DELTA.P between the current positions and the
associated desired positions of the characteristic points, which
specifications indicate how the orientation of the mirror module
must be changed to attain a smaller deviation between the current
positions and the desired positions.
[0106] The illustrated measurement represents the local
distribution of measurement light in the pupil plane as viewed from
the field region in which the through-opening of the slit stop is
located. By displacing the slit stop to a different position of the
illumination field, the local distribution in the pupil for a
different field region can be captured. As a result, a
field-dependent measurement of the local distribution of
measurement light in the pupil plane is possible.
[0107] It is possible that, during the adjustment of the
orientations of the mirror modules, a constellation is set in which
the measurement light spots on one or more second facets (facets of
the pupil mirror FAC2) are situated just about in their entirety on
the reflective surface of the associated facets, but very close to
the periphery of the facet. In this case, if the overall geometry
should change slightly at a later point, the associated measurement
light spot will then no longer be situated in its entirety on the
pupil facet or miss the pupil facet completely. The corresponding
illumination light portion would then be lost for the process, as a
result of which the performance overall would be worse.
[0108] In order to improve the robustness of the overall system
against small geometry changes and in particular to avoid that
small geometry changes result in a situation in which pupil facets
are no longer sufficiently impinged, the measurement system is
additionally preferably operated in a third measurement mode (spot
measurement mode) for adjustment purposes. Corresponding
measurement light beam paths for the measurement mode for the spot
deviation are illustrated schematically in FIGS. 9A and 9B. The
detector module DET here has the configuration in which a virtual
image of the pupil plane is captured with the second sensor SENS2,
that is to say the same configuration as in the measurement mode
for telecentricity. For the measurement, the measurement light
source module MSM is laterally displaced, such that the position of
the secondary measurement light source is displaced from a first
position P1 to a second position P2. Measured simultaneously with
the displacement is the intensity I of a measurement light spot as
a function of the displacement in the x-direction (transverse
direction). FIG. 9B shows a corresponding diagram of the dependence
of the intensity I of the measurement light spot as a function of
the lateral displacement .DELTA.x. As long as the measurement light
spot during the displacement of the measurement light source is
still situated in its entirety on the corresponding pupil facet F2,
the intensity does not change and corresponds to the intensity at
the entirely centric location of the measurement light spot. As
soon as a portion of the measurement light spot crosses the
periphery of the facet and is no longer reflected, the intensity
decreases, with less and less light being reflected with further
decentering of the measurement light spot, possibly until the
intensity falls to zero, when the measurement light spot completely
misses the pupil facet. The adjustment can be performed such that,
within the framework of the possibilities, taking into account the
other system measurement variables, the measurement light spots on
the second pupil facets are situated as close as possible to the
centers thereof, such that minor misalignments at a later point in
time do not result in a decrease of performance.
[0109] FIGS. 10A and 10B schematically illustrate a different
variant of the spot measurement mode. Here, two two-dimensional
images of the region of the second facet F2 are captured and
superposed. In a first measurement phase, a first image is captured
which contains the quasi-dot-shaped measurement light spot SPT on
the second facet (pupil facet). The measurement light spot SPT
approximately corresponds to the secondary measurement light source
SMLS in terms of shape and size. The second facet does not have to
be (completely) discernible on the first image. For the recording
of the second image, in a second measurement phase, the radiation
coming from the secondary measurement light source SMLS is
distributed via a diffusing screen or the like, such that the pupil
facet is irradiated such that the entire facet surface is lit and
the periphery RD or the outer contour of the facet is discernible
in the second image as a light-dark transition. The (computational)
superposition of the images is illustrated in FIG. 10B. The
position of the measurement light spot SPT on the pupil facet and
the lateral distance from the periphery RD of the facet are able to
be derived from the superposed image by way of image
processing.
[0110] Various possibilities for using the method and the
measurement system exist. In one variant, all components of the
measurement system, in particular the components which are mounted
outside the housing H, such as the measurement light source module
MSM and the detector module DET, remain at the illumination system.
In this way, permanent monitoring of the illumination system or
checking at regular time intervals of the adjustment/misalignment
is possible. Any misalignment effects occurring over the lifetime
can hereby be caught in time directly in situ and possibly be
corrected. This can result in relaxations of the specification for
the overall system with respect to lifetime effects. It is also
possible for the removable external components (in particular the
measurement light source module MSM and the detector module DET) to
be mounted to the corresponding interfaces of the illumination
system only for adjustment purposes, to perform the adjustment,
and, after the adjustment has been made, to remove the components
again and possibly use them at a different location.
[0111] The method can also be used in the original production of
the illumination system, i.e. during first production, to initially
adjust the installed mirror modules with respect to their
orientation such that the illumination system in the finished
mounted state fulfills the illumination specification. For
illustrative purposes, FIG. 11 shows an exemplary embodiment of a
measuring machine MM, which has a dark chamber CM formed by a
light-proof housing, in which all optical components of the
measurement system MES are arranged. The interior is dimensioned
such that a completely installed illumination system ILL fits
inside. The installed components of the measurement system MES
include a fixedly installed measurement light source module MSM,
with which measurement light is produced, and a likewise fixedly
installed detector module DET, with which the measurement light,
after it has passed through the complete illumination beam path
(reflection at all mirror modules), is detected and prepared for
evaluation. The two modules are mounted to a measurement frame MR
such that their positions with respect to the machine coordinate
system MMKS can be accurately determined. The measurement light
source module is biaxially displaceable (see double-headed arrows).
The detector module can be pivoted or panned about a module axis
which extends perpendicularly to the exit plane of the illumination
system and can be linearly displaced perpendicularly to said module
axis. The measurement frame also carries elements of a positioning
system POS, with which the complete illumination system ILL within
the measuring machine can be brought into a defined position with
respect to the measurement light source module MSM and the detector
module DET. The position is monitored using position sensors
PSENS.
[0112] After position-accurate installation of the illumination
system, the measurement can be performed similarly to as it has
been described. In contrast to the variant which is able to be
performed by the end user, no input coupling device and no output
coupling device are used here at the illumination system. The
measurement light beam is radiated in via the identical openings
and emitted on the exit side like the EUV radiation during
productive operation.
[0113] In the examples which have been illustrated by depictions,
the reflective facets of the first facet mirror are situated at or
optically near a field plane of the illumination system that is
conjugate to the exit plane, which is why the first facet mirror is
also referred to as a "field facet mirror." The second facet mirror
is here referred to as a "pupil facet mirror," because the
reflective facets thereof are situated at or near a pupil plane
which is Fourier transformed with respect to the exit plane. These
positions of the mirror modules are not mandatory. At least one of
the mirror modules can also be arranged at a greater optical
distance from a field plane and a pupil plane, and then it could be
described neither as a field facet mirror nor as a pupil facet
mirror.
* * * * *